p22.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2018 13:14 Page 51
VetQ&A
Simon answers your questions Simon Bailey
THE OLDER PET s with all of us, as we get older certain aspects of our lifestyle need to change to allow ongoing good health. This is no different for our pets. There will be some changes necessary due to health problems and certain age related diseases, but it is sensible to start thinking and being aware of changes which can be early indicators of disease, or simply need minor alterations to routine to give the best quality of life that can be achieved. Firstly, how do you know if your pet is old? This is very subjective. Do they seem to be slowing up, getting a bit stiff, changing behaviour, changes in coat, poor teeth etc. The list is endless and is unique to that individual, but as owners we know our pets best and are therefore best placed to observe these changes.
A
The changes commonly seen are often involved with a variety of body systems, for example: • Eyes – Do they seem to struggle to see or find things like toys? Are there any signs of the eyes running or soreness? Does they eye appear cloudy on its surface or within it. Such changes may reflect ulcerations or even cataracts. • Ears – Check the ears for signs of pain, swelling and shaking the head. Do they still respond to noises or locate you when whistling etc. If not they may be losing or have impaired hearing. • Teeth – Dental disease can occur at any age but it is more common to see dental disease in older animals for obvious reasons. Does your pet struggle to eat or chew like they used to do. Does their mouth seem smelly or sore, do they dribble a lot. Try to get into the habit of checking by lifting the lip and seeing if the gums look red, is there any yellow/brown
pet food which will be recommend switching to from about the age of 7 or 8 (depending on the diet range). Senior animals are less active, with a slower metabolism and so require less energy. The protein component will be high quality and easily digestible, and it will contain a balanced vitamin/mineral and fats content formulated for older pets requirements. • Drinking – are they drinking more frequently, or a larger amount? Do they need to go to the toilet more often? Or have they started to urinate inside or in odd places. • Mental Alertness – Cognitive dysfunction is defined as ‘an inappropriate loss of mental function, usually with no underlying other condition’. It is similar to dementia in humans; they will lose recognition of familiar people, places and situations. They forget things they normally do i.e. toilet training, recalls etc, and will become more vocal and anxious. It is often best to try to keep to regular consistent routine to try to reduce anxiety • Mobility – Do they seem less keen to go for a walk, stiff to get out of bed, may be limping, licking at legs, not so keen to jump into the car etc? These can all be a sign of joint pain or osteoarthritis. It should be said these changes may simply be normal, but if it is significant the sooner it is addressed or investigated the better the chances to deal with them and aid in a graceful ageing process If you are concerned about any changes.
It would be worth speaking with your vet and getting a ‘senior pet health check’. This will physically check them over, discuss your concerns and may then use blood and urine tests to screen them for any signs of diseases. There are many medicines, supplements and behavioural techniques which can help with many of these changes.
material or blood on gums or teeth? Are there any broken or missing teeth or do the teeth have holes in. Behavioural changes you may see are being overly fussy with food and rubbing at the face, or rubbing their face on other things. • Body – Run your hands over their body and legs, are there any lumps that have appeared or do lumps that were there before have they changed shape, size or colour. Do they seem sore to touch? • Feet – Are the nails the correct length, not growing into the toes, no lumps or swelling on the feet. Do they seem sore when their feet are touched? Or are they limping? • Breathing - Do they breathe comfortably, no coughing or do they seem to be out of breath more quickly than usual when taken out for a walk. Or do they seem lethargic and not keen to walk at all. • Coat - Is it looking dryer, more dandruff, itchier than normal, losing excess hair or balding areas? • Diet – The key question here is, ‘What is their weight’, and are they losing/gaining weight? Are they producing the normal volume and consistency of faeces or has that changed? Generally most commercial pet foods will have a ‘life stage range’ which has a senior or older
If you would like to ask Simon for some pet advice then log onto their interesting site www.ardmorevets.co.uk
